Friday, July 30, 2010

It is a great resource for local establishments from restaurants and stores to museums and markets.

They are definitely one to bookmark, especially if you are from Phoenix or planning to visit.

And, of course, the ladies of Local Lily are simply lovely. So, we are, indeed, thrilled to hear what some of their local No. 1's are here in Phoenix. We are so very happy to introduce you to the ladies of Local Lily...

We found it nearly impossible to pick only five local faves! But we tried our best and here's a few close to our hearts...

1. The Duce!

A speak-easy that isn't going to be such a hidden gem for long. Little by little the Duce is becoming everyone's favorite spot! RnR surplus clothing, antique home items, great food and great drinks all in a family friendly atmosphere - you can't beat it!

2. Farmer's Markets

Farmer's Markets are a great way to start your weekend. See your neighbors, buy your produce and goodies from local vendors and increase the cohesiveness of your community.

3. Arizona Derby Dames

Arizona Derby Dames is a Saturday Night Out you won't soon forget! Grab a draft beer and get ready to holler - it ain't child's play!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

If you live in Phoenix and are not already familiar with Frances and Smeeks, then come on out from under that rock and discover them.

Georganne Bryant is the brilliant talent behind both these fantastic local businesses.

Frances is one of the loveliest boutiques with wonderful gifts for anyone on your list (or, of course, for yourself, as it is hard to walk out of this store without something you just couldn't resist). And Smeeks is a dream of a candy store for any kid, or any person who still has that bit of kid inside them.

We couldn't be more thrilled to have Georganne here today to tell us why she loves this city of ours so very much. So, herewith 5 of her very favorite things about Phoenix, Georganne of Frances and Smeeks...

A definite favorite is Durant's on Central for its constant coolness. Its always a great place for a drink and we have celebrated many special occasions at this Phoenix landmark. Try the strawberry shortcake for a real treat!

3. Vintage Shopping along 7th Ave.

I love vintage shopping along 7th Ave. in Phoenix. I particularly love Indigo's style and finds at Retro Ranch. She always has a great collection/selection of vintage office supplies. Zinnia's, Hollywood Regency and Go Kat Go are all wonderful, too.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Hubbard Family Swim School is one of those great family-run businesses in the Valley where you can literally feel the love within the walls. The Hubbards and all their employees truly love what they do.

Between their Swim Schools and Sports Camps, they are teaching our kids "skills to last a lifetime" (my kids and grandkids have all been involved in all the Hubbard programs).

We are so excited to be hearing what some of Bob's favorite things are about this lovely city of ours. So, herewith his own list of No. 1's throughout our valley is Bob of the Hubbard Family Swim School...

My five favorite things about Phoenix

by Bob Hubbard

1. The Variety of Restaurants on Camelback Road.

We live in the city in an older neighborhood near 28th street and Camelback. We often work late into the evening so we love walking to the wide variety of restaurants and "establishments" - fancy word for bars - that are now available. We love our neighborhood establishments and their great personnel - Jason at the Parlor, Jessica and Mark at True Food, Jarrod at the bar at Mortons, Tom and Al at the bar at Houstons, Monica at Keegans, Jake at Hava Java, the team at the Esplanade Starbucks, Wally and Sean at Wally's on 44th Street - all providing great service, food and conversation.

2. The Quartz Ridge Trail 8.

Looking for exercise, try Quartz Ridge Trail 8 - 32nd Street, north of Lincoln. It is a great trail which you can do in small pieces or connect with some of the other Piesta Peak trails.

3. Tee Pee on 40th and Indian School.

A gotta do in Phoenix - the Tee Pee on 40th and Indian School. The Green Mary Lou with nachos and a side order of beans. Mmmmm, good.

4. Lux Coffee Bar on Central Avenue.

We stop at Lux on Sunday mornings at the 75% point of our bike rides for some excellent espresso, conversation and the cool sounds of their DJ spinning great music.

5. Going to Work.

I love walking into our Swim Schools and Sports Camps throughout the valley and seeing all of the kids and parents and their excitement about their experiences at Hubbard. We love what we do and it energizes us everyday - so come play with us!

Thank you so much to Bob! We loved hearing all about your favorite things in Phoenix!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Seesaw Designs is a local graphic design and letterpress studio run by three insanely talented ladies, Lindsay, Angela and Raquel. They are one of those companies where you just stare at their work and dream of being so creative (drool over these for a little while).

In addition to being an amazing local business, their blog is the loveliest and they have, possibly, the most perfect vintage etsy shop, seesaw vintage.

We are so very excited to have them here today to share some of their no. 1 favorite things about hot and wonderful Phoenix. So, if you don't know them already, we are happy to introduce you to the lovely ladies of seesaw designs...

We love everything about this neighborhood restaurant, from the mid-century Wendell Burnette space it occupies to it's amazing lunch and dinner offerings (the Forbidden Rice is a vegetarian's dream). Chef Aaron Chamberlain does an amazing job of creating delicious wood-fired cuisine, and we were thrilled to begin working with them on a brand new website (coming soon!)

2. Thrifting and Vintage Finds

Phoenix is chock-full of amazing vintage clothes and furniture, and who doesn't love a good treasure hunt? The three of us are compulsive thrifters and spend our evenings and weekends searching for goodies for our online vintage shop, seesaw vintage.

3. Mid Century Modern Architecture

The valley has been home to some amazing architects, among them Frank Lloyd Wright, Al Beadle and Ralph Haver. We love the many mid-century gems that you can find sprinkled throughout the city. Modern Phoenix is a great resource for learning more about these historic buildings and neighborhoods.

4. Phoenix's Growing Creative + Small Business Community

We think Phoenix is awesome, and are proud to know people and organizations that are working to unite the community and get the word out. Phoenix Design Week is a great event serving the design community that happens every fall. Local First Arizona is an organization that works year-round to bring attention to all of the great community gems in the Valley. They put out a "small wonders" map yearly, as well.

Think Local!

About

The Willows is a luxurious home furnishings and lifestyle atelier and showroom boasting a casual, yet classically elegant collection of beautiful finds. We offer unique, timeless appeal for your home or office with “objects for a life well lived”.

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